Hurricane: Bob's Best Vocal Performance
"Hurricane" tells the story of a New Jersey boxer, Rubin Hurricane Carter, who was framed for murder by dirty cops. I think this tune features one of the best vocal performances Bob has ever offered to tape. The picture below shows Bob posing for a shot with Mr. Carter. For dramatic effect, a steel curtain was pulled down to indicate the Hurricane's predicament. In many ways, this photograph symbolizes the drama that Bob builds in the song. A note on the song: There's plenty happening in this 1975 classic off the great album, Desire. As an ominous A minor chord is strummed on the acoustic, it feels like the clouds have already gathered. Lightening might as well strike and rain pours as the band kicks in, complete with a melodic, haunting violin, fast moving drums, and bass. The starting gun has been fired. In "Hurricane", it all works together to create a sound that truly feels like a moving unit. As if to emphasize that the narrative of the song...